Volunteers are a vital part of the mission of the Florida Museum. By joining our team, you can become part of a this unique group of dedicated individuals!
How Do I Become a Museum Volunteer?
The first step is to attend new adult volunteer orientation and assist us in finding the best match for your areas of interest and ability.
Adult Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer opportunities vary depending on the needs of Museum supervisors. These needs are constantly changing and range from interacting with the public as an exhibit docent to working behind the scenes in the research collections. Several examples of volunteer opportunities are listed here, but please keep in mind all of the positions may not always be available.
Work with Education and Butterfly Rainforest staff to interpret the flora and fauna in the vivarium and encourage visitors to learn more about butterflies, biodiversity and conservation. Enjoy the tropical environment while engaging visitors and answering their questions. Discovery carts with live specimens and hands-on activities are also used to actively involve visitors in the learning process. Help the Museum provide a safe and rewarding experience for guests as they enjoy the sights and sounds of the Butterfly Rainforest exhibit.
Shifts available: Two-hour shifts; daily during Museum operating hours.
Work with horticulture staff to keep the Butterfly Rainforest beautiful year-round. These volunteers work on various aspects of gardening, including planting, watering and weeding.
Shifts available: Two-hour shifts; daily, with the majority of work occurring from 8 to 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday.
Provide basic information to visitors during weekend plant sales on the patio in front of the Museum. Submit orders to the Collectors Shop and fill orders by assisting with loading.
Shifts available: Monday-Saturday: 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m., noon-2:30 p.m. or 2:15-5 p.m.; Sunday 12:45-3:15 p.m. or 3-5 p.m.
Work with research and collections staff on the daily care and maintenance of the Museum’s growing Lepidoptera collection. Volunteers work behind the scenes helping staff label and mount specimens, maintain records and curate the collection.
Shifts available: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Introduce educational programs and facilitate hands-on activities in the classrooms and exhibits to groups of school children on a pre-scheduled basis.
Shifts available: One three-hour shift per week, Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon, depending on scheduled field trips.
Interact with visitors of all ages in permanent and featured exhibits, including answering general questions.